Bryan Varvel

Bryan J. Varvel, 66, of Olathe, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, following a two-and-a-half-year battle with esophageal cancer.

Born March 17, 1960, in Gordon, Nebraska to James W. and Elvera M. (Rasmussen) Varvel, Bryan grew up on the family farm near Hay Springs, Nebraska where he developed a strong work ethic that became a cornerstone of his personality.

Bryan graduated from Hay Springs High School in 1978 and continued his education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney before completing his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1983. He began his career in the securities industry in Omaha, Nebraska before accepting a job in Kansas City, Missouri where he met his future wife and made his home for the remainder of his life.

On January 22, 1994, Bryan and Karen (Goode) were married in Olathe, Kansas, where they enjoyed raising their family together. Bryan had a lifelong love of sports and if you met him, you would soon know he was a fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He was happy to attend many Husker football games over the years, especially the wins. He enjoyed watching and coaching his sons as they participated in sports and many other activities and always had a strong interest in the sporting activities of his nieces, nephews, and step-grandchildren, attending events as often as he was able.

During the 29 years he was employed with FINRA, he had the opportunity to travel all over the United States. Many times, his family accompanied him with the most memorable trips being to New York, Philadelphia, and Honolulu. After fully retiring in 2021, he and Karen spent many happy days traveling to National Parks and historic sites across the country as well as visiting friends and family. They also took an amazing and memorable trip to Denmark, where Bryan connected with several second cousins and visited his grandfather’s childhood farm and church.

Bryan had a mischievous sense of humor, which he passed on to his sons, and a deep love for his family and friends. He was blessed with a loving extended family and longtime friends who will miss him deeply and remember him with love and memories of much laughter.

Surviving are his wife, Karen Varvel of the home; sons Nicholas Varvel and Christopher Varvel, both of Olathe, Kansas; stepson Ryan Keele, Otterville, Missouri; brother George (Trudy) Varvel, Alliance, Nebraska; sister Shirley Morava, Crawford, Nebraska; sister-in-law Bonnie Varvel, Lincoln, Nebraska; two step-grandchildren Madison Keele and Mason Keele, both of Otterville, Missouri and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Gary Varvel; and infant brother Kenneth Varvel.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bryan may be made to the Olathe Hospice House, 15310 S. Marion Street, Olathe, KS 66061 or the Hay Springs School and Community Foundation, PO Box 81, Hay Springs, Nebraska 69347.